Video can significantly improve your search engine rankings and increase customer engagement. Have you previously shied away from creating videos, imagining this to be expensive or complicated? Well, shy no more. All you need to make brilliant business-boosting films is your smartphone and these deceptively simple hacks…
Why blow your budget on a costly and elaborate video shoot when you can film and edit your content all in one place, on one device? Smartphones have excellent camera quality and are small, agile and easy to transport. You don’t need film experience or training of any kind. You and your clever camera app will make a great team.
But first things first. You need to decide what content to include in your video.
There are three secrets to creating great video content:
- Telling stories and giving value.
- Getting the sound and lighting right.
- Making it quick and simple.
In part one of this series on ‘How to create video on a budget’, we’ll explore the first secret: Telling stories and giving value…
Why is storytelling so powerful?
Stories help people connect emotionally with your product – making them audiences who want to engage with your brand and keep listening. Stories also help people remember you: information is much easier to retain when delivered through a captivating story rather than raw facts.
Another secret of storytelling is that it inspires your audience to take action, whether this be clicking through to more content, visiting your website, getting in touch or – kerching! – making a purchase.
On top of all that, stories help you structure your content so it’s easier for you to plan and simpler for your reader to follow.
So how do you create a great story?
Even today, the fairy tale framework still works like magic. It helps you structure your video in a way that gives value to others:
1. Once upon a time – this is the context and setting – where did it all begin?
2. Suddenly – a challenge or a hook: why should they listen to you? What problem or need will you be addressing?
3. Luckily – the solution: how are you or your product providing a solution to overcome the problem?
4. Happily ever after – the impact of the story or a call to action. Now they have the information you’ve given them, what should your viewer do?
Give your video viewers value
Your video should essentially be all about your customers – not you. So be sure to give your viewers something that improves their life. Leading with kindness and giving away free information helps people appreciate and trust you, so they’ll be more likely to invest in your product or service. Delivering value also makes customers less likely to scroll on by – and more likely to return.
Part two of ‘How to create video on a budget’ is all about getting the sound and lighting right. Check it out here!
This article was inspired by one of our Zoom Dives with Kim Slade, founder of Touch Video Academy.
Our Zoom Dive events are deep-delving discussions between our founder, Carolyn Dailey and a handpicked creative business expert. You can listen to Carolyn and Kim’s full discussion here.
Why not come to our next Zoom Dive, live? See our Events calendar and sign up for free. Be part of the conversation – ask questions and meet fellow creatives. We can’t wait to see you there.
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